This makes sure I get geometrical separation and all the geometry inside the groups remains on default layer 0. My rule is that nothing goes into a layer before I grouped it first. What this means is that while you hide a layer, all its content can still be interacting with the visual model, snapping to it when intersected causing all kinds of problems. SketchUP’s layering system, as opposed to the common in other application, provides visual separation only! Not geometry separation.
Geometry separation using – Group / Layer / Scene It is very helpful modeling with a clear workspace and you can always toggle in the rest of the element for quick checkups and for re-orienting. While X-Ray lets you see through the geometry, these commands actually hide elements away so that you can focus on the one in hand. Instead of rotating or hiding elements just to snap to something you can switch to X-Ray mode even during a command and quickly edit in place while saving a lot of time and allow for model checkup too. This face style will allow seeing through the geometry and model in a way impossible without it. Some SketchUP commands like PushPull and FollowMe tend to create flipped faces that you sometimes cant see if the model is textured (Many plugins have this issue too). This face style uncovers all flipped normal issues, specifically after textures have been applied to the model. Later on while modeling if you ever stumble upon stubborn non closing faces – turn this option on, it is most likely due to non parallel lines that were introduced to the model. I use this command all the time when I insert a CAD drawing into SketchUP just to make sure all is well with the lines. This command will uncover all un-parallel linkwork issues and will allow you to fix them with a visual feedback. These will allow you to quickly check the model while working and keeping it all under control. If you followed my advice in the Shortcuts section above, you have created five on/off toggles I call Color by Axis, Monochrome, X-Ray, Hide Rest & Hide Similar. When you find that you have too many of them just clear them all out with one shortcut combination. I use them to layout grids, check measurements, to assist with snapping and a lot more. Add parallel ones using the Tape Measure tool and angular ones using the Protractor tool. Guides are a blessing, use them all the time.
view / component edit / hide similar components.view / component edit / hide rest of model.You can export / import shortcuts through the preferences dialog when moving from one computer to the next and you can re-map them all as you see fit even assign more then one shortcut per command (for example a left and right keyboard combination) I recommend mapping these commands It would have been really nice if Google could add support for saving the toolbars area scheme, or even just fix the jumping syndrome they tend to have when moving them around.
With everything mapped to shortcuts you can free up some screen real-estate for the actual model and some other plug-in toolbars. On my SketchUP workspace you will find just the Layers, Shadows and Face style standard toolbars most of the time. I hardly ever use the standard toolbars and menus, just those related to plugins that cant be mapped to a shortcut conveniently. Learning to use shortcuts is essential for fast modeling. This is a pure text post, so please bear with me.
The information Ill elaborate here will, hopefully, help you model fast and efficient with a great amount of control over the 3d modeling process.
Before I get specific about a few things, I should mention that it is good practice to have the manual comfortably nearby while modeling and I also highly recommend watching the SketchUP video guides. So while I work on the continuation of the Making of ‘MS House’ – Part 1, Let me elaborate further and share some more of my SketchUP work-flow.
It is as powerful as it is simple, and yet Ive seen too many pick up bad habits who find it hard to utilize SketchUP to its full potential. I picked up SketchUP my first year of architecture school back in 2002 and never stopped using it since.